10 Mar 2016

In just under four hours, Liverpool face Man United at Anfield in the Europa League, but it looks increasingly like the Reds' most in-form players is set to miss the game.

According to the Liverpool Echo:

"James Milner^ has been sent home from Melwood [training] with a virus and is a doubt for the the Europa League clash with Manchester United.

"Jurgen Klopp has vowed to leave it until Thursday morning before he makes a decision over whether Milner is involved.

Milner - who has seven goals/assists in his last ten games - is in the midst of his best period of creative form this season, but with Coutinho, Firmino, and Sturridge almost certain to start the game, the Reds are (or should be) well covered in attack.

Obviously, Lucas or Joe Allen should come in to replace Milner, but I have a feeling that Klopp will play Adam Lallana - clearly one of his favourites - out of position in midfield, which (IMO) makes no sense at all.

If Lallana has to be in the team, I'd rather see Coutinho - who has superior vision and guile - drop a little deeper into Milner's position, and keep Lallana higher up the field.

Milner - hailed as 'fantastic' by Lallana - may make the bench, though. He's made of strong stuff, and I doubt he'll allow a virus to keep him out of such an important game. Probable Team?